Method and apparatus for making blinds and platforms

ABSTRACT

The present invention includes an apparatus, kit and method for providing a fastener for attachment to an object to aid in construction. The fastener includes a head having an aperture adapted to fit a structural member and a shank. The structural member is supported by the fastener. The shank extending from the head to support the structural member and the structural member forms a joist, rafter or truss. In some embodiments the shank includes a threaded portion terminating in a point for attachment by boring into an object.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/734,163, filed Nov. 7, 2005, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates in general to the field of fasteners and fastening methods for used in conjunction with structural material, and more particularly, to fasteners and fastening methods for making hunting blinds and platforms.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Without limiting the scope of the invention, its background is described in connection with blinds and platforms, as an example. Hunters, scientists and naturalists commonly use camouflaged blinds and platforms to allow access to prey. The camouflaged blinds and platforms allow close proximity without the fear of being seen, thus allowing time to shoot the prey or observe the activities of the prey. For example, hunting blinds are often placed near areas which are frequented by the prey, e.g., fields, paths, water and so forth.

Generally, a hunting blind has one or more walls formed from natural materials (e.g., sticks, grass, and foliage) or from camouflage material (e.g., blankets, tarps, prints or burlap). The blind may be as simple as one wall positioned between the hunter and the prey or as elaborate as shingled roofs, doors, sliding or hinged windows, chairs and benches. The blind may be portable, permanent or seasonal.

To allow better visibility and safety, tree stands and platforms are commonly constructed in trees near areas which are frequented by the prey. These are generally small and portable metal or plastic grating or mesh that is mounted in trees with room for a single standing or sitting hunter. Often hunters must use safety belts and/or harnesses to protect in cases of falls and accidents from using guns, bows or observation equipment.

One such portable vertically mounted hunting blind is taught in U.S. Pat. No. 6,588,440 issued to Varnado, which teaches a blind which has two plates and straps forming a fastener. The fastener is attached to a tree trunk at any desired height by wrapping the straps around the tree trunk and connecting the straps under tension with a connecting means which maintains the tension. The plates have receptacles for the insertion of a holder, with the holder extending away from the tree trunk. A blind cover is attached to the holder and provides camouflage.

Another approach is to attach the blind directly to the tree in a tree-house type building. These are usually expensive, heavy and cumbersome, and if designed to be taken down at the end of a season require significant labor and transport. The materials must be transported to the location often by foot along with all the necessary tools and fasteners. The materials must be hauled vertically up and down the side of the tree trunk to be placed in the desired position. Additionally, the building must be constructed using conventional techniques.

In addition, U.S. Pat. No. 6,505,707 issued to Berry, which teaches a combination tree stand, blind and equipment carrier. The carrier includes a platform to support a user thereon within a user enclosure, a top frame member defining an upward opening of the enclosure, and first and second hinge assemblies connecting the top frame to the platform to allow it to be moved between a collapsed position and a fully erect position. The first and second hinge assemblies are positioned to extend between rearward and forward portions of the platform and the top frame. The hinge assemblies fold inward toward each other to collapse the enclosure for carrying or use as an equipment carrier when wheels are added. A seat is pivotally connected to the first hinge assembly, which also serves as a back for the seat. A shelf and a splash panel are pivotally connected to the second hinge assembly. The platform has an access opening for the user to enter the user enclosure and an access door. A telescoping ladder is pivotally attachable to the platform at a position below the platform and adjacent to the access opening. Adjacent pairs of ladder sections have side rails of one positioned inward of the side rails of the other and slidably retained together. Lock members lock adjacent pairs of ladder sections together when in the fully extended position upon actuation of lock actuators. A lock clip uses lock actuator screws in one embodiment, and another a cam and lever arrangement to move the lock members of adjacent rails into the locked position.

tree-mounted hunting blind is taught in U.S. Pat. No. 6,942,065 issued to Price, which teaches an enclosed tree-mounted hunting blind supported in cantilever fashion off the side of a tree. The blind is a rigid, walled structure that is easily put up and taken down from the tree using its own cantilever support, and is light enough to transport to and from the tree at the beginning and end of hunting season with minimal effort.

The foregoing problems have been recognized for many years and while numerous solutions have been proposed, none of them adequately address all of the problems in a single device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present inventor recognized a need for a hunting and observation blind and platform that is supportive and easy to transport and construct, while reducing the construction noise, time and activity at the location.

More particularly, the present invention includes a fastener for attachment to an object to aid in construction. The fastener includes a head having an aperture adapted to fit a structural member and a shank. The structural member is supported by the fastener. The shank extending from the head to support the structural member and the structural member forms a joist, rafter or truss. In some embodiments the shank includes a threaded portion terminating in a point for attachment by boring into an object.

For example, the present invention also includes a platform constructed using fastener for attachment to an object that provides support for the platform. The platform includes two or more fasteners inserted into two or more objects. The two or more objects may be individually a tree, more than one tree, the branches of one or more trees, a pole, a wall or a combination thereof. Each fastener includes a head having an aperture adapted to fit and support a floor support and a shank. The shank extends from the head and includes a threaded portion that terminates at a point for attachment by boring into an object. The platform also includes a first floor support that extends from the first fastener and a second floor support that extends from a second fastener. One or more floor materials that extends from the first floor support to the second floor support.

The present invention also includes a method of constructing a platform using a fastener for attachment to an object to provide support for the platform. The platform is constructed by securing at least a first, a second, a third and a fourth fastener to one or more objects. Each fastener includes a head having an aperture and a shank extending from the head. The aperture is adapted to fit a floor support that is supported by the fastener. The shank includes a threaded portion terminating in a point for attachment by boring into the object. The platform is constructed by securing a first floor support extending from the first fastener to the second fastener and securing a second floor support extending from the third fastener and the fourth fastener. One or more floor materials may then be attached to from the first floor support to the second floor support, whereby a platform is formed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the features and advantages of the present invention, reference is now made to the detailed description of the invention along with the accompanying figures and in which:

FIG. 1 is side view of one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is side view of another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is side view of another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is side view of another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is side view of one embodiment of the present invention installed into a tree;

FIG. 6 is a frontal view of the present invention in operation;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention in operation;

FIG. 8 is top view of another embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 9 a-9 e illustrate different embodiments of the expander plates of the present invention;

FIGS. 10 a-10 c illustrate different embodiments of the expander plates of the present invention;

FIG. 11 illustrates the fastener used in conjunction with the expander plate of the present invention;

FIG. 12 illustrates an expander plate that is used to connect structural members and may be used alone or in conjunction with the fastener; and

FIG. 13 illustrates an expander plate used to connect 2 pieces of structural members and may be used alone or in conjunction with the fastener 10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While the making and using of various embodiments of the present invention are discussed in detail below, it should be appreciated that the present invention provides many applicable inventive concepts that can be embodied in a wide variety of specific contexts. The terminology used and specific embodiments discussed herein are merely illustrative of specific ways to make and use the invention and do not delimit the scope of the invention.

To facilitate the understanding of this invention, a number of terms are defined below. Terms defined herein have meanings as commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the areas relevant to the present invention. Terms such as “a”, “an” and “the” are not intended to refer to only a singular entity, but include the general class of which a specific example may be used for illustration. The terminology herein is used to describe specific embodiments of the invention, but their usage does not delimit the invention, except as outlined in the claims.

Generally, the present invention provides a device for the construction of housings, enclosures, blinds and platforms. The present invention allows construction using minimal tools and reduces the materials that must be transported to the site, thus, allowing construction at remote locations. The present invention also reduces the disturbance to the environment (e.g., noise, scraps, destroyed plants, tracks, smells and so forth), which reduces the chance of alerting the prey.

For example, the present invention includes a fastener for attachment to an object to aid in construction. The fastener includes a head and a shank. The head includes an aperture adapted to fit a structural member. The shank is designed to be inserted into the object to support the fastener and form a joist, rafter or truss. One embodiment includes a shank that extends from the head and includes a threaded portion terminating in a point for attachment by boring into an object.

The object may be a tree, more than one tree, the branches of one or more trees, a pole, a joist, a rafter, a truss, a wall or a combination thereof. Furthermore, the structural member may be a wooden 2×4, a 4×4, a 2×6, a 2×8, a 4×4, a 4×8, a 1×2, a 1×4, a 1×6, a 1×8 or a 8×8 and the head may be adapted to fit the structural member. The structural member may be of any length desired and necessary for construction. When using long structural members or heavy weights are involved it may be necessary to add additional fasteners.

The present invention also includes a platform constructed using a fastener for attachment to an object that provides support for the platform. The platform includes at least a first, a second, a third and a fourth fastener inserted into one or more objects. The one or more objects may be individually a tree, more than one tree, the branches of one or more trees, a pole, a wall joist, rafter, truss or a combination thereof. Each fastener includes a head and a shank. The head includes an aperture adapted to fit and support a floor support. In some instances, the aperture accommodated a 2×4, 4×4 or a 2×6. The shank extends from the head including a threaded portion terminating in a point for attachment by boring into an object. The platform also includes a first floor support extending from the first fastener to the second fastener and a second floor support extending from the third fastener to the fourth fastener. One or more floor materials are extended from the first floor support to the second floor support. The first floor support, the second floor support and the one or more floor materials individually include a wooden or metal 2×4, a 4×4, a 2×6, a 2×8, a 4×4, a 4×8, a 1×2, a 1×4, a 1×6, a 1×8, a 8×8 or a log, bamboo, thatch, plywood, steel, metal or particle board.

A kit for constructing a platform is also provided for attachment to an object for providing support for a platform. The platform includes two or more fasteners inserted into one or more objects. Each fastener includes a head having an aperture adapted to fit a structural member. The structural member is supported by a shank extending from the head of the fastener. The shank includes a threaded portion terminating in a point to bore into an object.

Optionally, the kit contains two or more floor supports and one or more floor materials. The two or more floor supports attach to the two or more fasteners, whereby a floor support is created. The two or more floor supports may be a 2×4, a 4×4, a 2×6, a 2×8, a 4×4, a 4×8, a 1×2, a 1×4, a 1×6, a 1×8 or a 8×8. The one or more floor materials include steel, log, bamboo, thatch, plywood or particle board and extend between the one or more floor supports, whereby a platform is created.

Another embodiment of the present invention includes a first fastener, a second fastener, a third fastener and the fourth fastener. The platform includes a first floor support extending from the first fastener to the second fastener and a second floor support extending from the third fastener to the fourth fastener. One or more floor materials are extended from the first floor support to the second floor support to form a platform.

The present invention also includes a method of constructing a platform. The platform is constructed by securing at least a first, a second, a third and a fourth fastener to one or more objects. The one or more objects may be a tree, more than one tree, the branches of one or more trees, a pole, a wall or a combination thereof. Each fastener includes a head having an aperture adapted to fit a floor support and a shank extending from the head. The floor support is supported by the fastener. The shank extends from the head and has a threaded portion that terminates in a point for attachment by boring into the object. The platform is constructed by securing a first floor support that extends from the first fastener to the second fastener and securing a second floor support that extends from the third fastener to the fourth fastener.

The present invention also includes a hunting blind constructed using a fastener for attachment to an object that provides support for the platform. The hunting blind includes at least a first, a second, a third and a fourth fastener inserted into one or more objects. The one or more objects may be individually a tree, more than one tree, the branches of one or more trees, a pole, a wall joist, rafter, truss or a combination thereof. Each fastener includes a head and a shank. The head includes an aperture adapted to fit and support a floor support. In some instances the aperture accommodated a 2×4, 4×4 or a 2×6. The shank extends from the head including a threaded portion terminating in a point for attachment by boring into an object. The hunting blind also includes a first floor support extending from the first fastener to the second fastener and a second floor support extending from the third fastener to the fourth fastener. One or more floor materials are extended from the first floor support to the second floor support to form a hunting blind.

Refer now to FIG. 1 there being shown a fastener, generally designated by reference numeral 10, according to one embodiment of the present invention. The fastener 10 includes a shank 12 extending between a head 14 and a tapered tip 16. The head 14 has a diameter 18 to provide strength.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the shank 12 of the fastener 10 has a threaded portion 20 having right-hand threads 22. The threaded portion 20 has a length 24, a diameter 26 and a pitch 28 that is defined by the axial distance from a point (usually the crest) on a thread to a corresponding point on an adjacent thread. The threaded portion 20 may be a continuous member or a helical member having segmented areas (not shown). In addition, the tapered tip 16 may be sharp or sharpened to allow better penetration into the tree. The pitch 28 and the spacing of the threads of the threaded portion 20 may be varied to allow for easier insertion into the tree and/or better adhesion to the tree. Additionally, length 24 and the diameter 26 of the threaded portion 20 may be adjusted for different applications, e.g., the length may be 3.5 inches in some embodiments but may range from about 0.5 inches to about 12 inches and the diameter may be 0.75 inches, but may range from 0.25 inches to 4 inches depending on the specific application. For example, a fastener having a length 24 of about 3.5 inches and a diameter 26 of about 0.5 inches has shear strength of about 72,000 pounds and can support 36,000 pounds.

The head 14 has the general shape to accommodate structural members and form an aperture 30 for the building material. The aperture 30 partially encloses the building material in FIG. 1. The aperture 30 has a height 32 and a width 34 that accept the corresponding building material. The aperture 30 may also be in the form of an arc to accommodate constructed material that is round or oval, e.g., logs, tubes, pipes and so forth. Generally the aperture will be of the dimensions of the structural member used, e.g., lumber of the dimensions 2 inches by 4 inches, 2 inches by 6 inches, 2 inches by 8 inches, 4 inches by 4 inches, 4 inches by 6 inches, 4 inches by 8 inches, 1 inches by 4 inches, 1 inches by 6 inches, 1 inches by 8 inches; metal beams between about 0.5 inches to 8 inches in height and between about 0.5 inches to about 8 inches in width; metal tubing, both hollow tubes and solid tubes, having a diameter of between about 0.05 inches to about 8 inches; plastic tubes, both hollow tubes and solid tubes, having a diameter of between about 0.05 inches to about 8 inches; or other structural member known to the skilled artisan. Generally, the aperture 30 is constructed from a single piece of material that is bent and formed to the desired shape with the height 32 and the width 34; however, the aperture 30 may be formed from individual segments that are affixed (e.g., bonded, welded, screwed or similarly attached) to formed the desired shape with the height 32 and the width 34.

Refer now to FIG. 2 there being shown a fastener, generally designated by reference numeral 10, according to one embodiment of the present invention. The fastener 10 includes a shank 12 extending between a head 14 and a tapered tip 16. The head 14 has a diameter 18 to provide strength.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the shank 12 of the fastener 10 has a threaded portion 20 having right-hand threads 22. The threaded portion 20 has a length 24, a diameter 26 and a pitch 28 that is defined by the axial distance from a point (usually the crest) on a thread to a corresponding point on an adjacent thread. The head 14 has the general shape to accommodate structural members and forming an aperture 30 for the building material. The aperture 30 is designed to enclose partially a conventional 2×4 in FIG. 2. The aperture 30 has a height 32 and a width 34 that accept the corresponding building material. The aperture 30 may also be in the form of an arc to accommodate constructed material that is round or oval, e.g., logs, tubes, pipes and so forth. Generally the aperture will be of the dimensions of the structural member used, e.g., lumber of the dimensions 2 inches by 4 inches, 2 inches by 6 inches, 2 inches by 8 inches, 4 inches by 4 inches, 4 inches by 6 inches, 4 inches by 8 inches, 1 inches by 4 inches, 1 inches by 6 inches, 1 inches by 8 inches; metal beams between about 0.5 inches to 8 inches in height and between about 0.5 inches to about 8 inches in width; metal tubing, both hollow tubes and solid tubes, having a diameter of between about 0.05 inches to about 8 inches; plastic tubes, both hollow tubes and solid tubes, having a diameter of between about 0.05 inches to about 8 inches; or other structural member known to the skilled artisan.

Refer now to FIG. 3 there being shown a fastener, generally designated by reference numeral 10, according to one embodiment of the present invention. The fastener 10 includes a shank 12 extending between a head 14 and a tapered tip 16. The head 14 has a diameter 18 to provide strength.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, the shank 12 of the fastener 10 has a threaded portion 20 having right-hand threads 22. The threaded portion 20 has a length 24, a diameter 26 and a pitch 28 that is defined by the axial distance from a point (usually the crest) on a thread to a corresponding point on an adjacent thread. The head 14 has the general shape to accommodate structural members and forming an aperture 30 for the building material. The aperture 30 is designed to enclose partially a conventional 2×4 in FIG. 3. The aperture 30 has a height 32 and a width 34 that accept the corresponding building material. The head 14 has a first securing aperture 36, which extends through the head 14 into the aperture 30 and a corresponding second securing aperture 38 extending through the head 14 to align with the a first securing aperture 36. An aperture securing fastener 40 is used to further secure the structural member in the fastener 10. The aperture securing fastener 40 may be a bolt, a screw, a nail, or similar securing device known to the skilled artisan.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the shank 12 of the fastener 10 has a threaded portion 20 having right-hand threads 22. The threaded portion 20 has a length 24, a diameter 26 and a pitch 28 that is defined by the axial distance from a point (usually the crest) on a thread to a corresponding point on an adjacent thread. The head 14 has the general shape to accommodate structural members and forming an aperture 30 for the building material. The aperture 30 is designed to enclose partially a conventional 4×4 in FIG. 4. The aperture 30 has a height 32 and a width 34 that accept the corresponding building material. The aperture 30 may also be in the form of an arc to accommodate constructed material that is round or oval, e.g., logs, tubes, pipes and so forth.

FIG. 5 illustrates the fastener 10 in use and installed in a tree. The fastener 10 includes a shank 12 extending between a head 14 and a tapered tip 16. The head 14 has a diameter 18 to provide strength. The shank 12 of the fastener 10 has a threaded portion 20 having right-hand threads 22. The fastener 10 is inserted into the tree 42 by pressing the tapered tip 16 into the tree surface 44 and applying a rotational force to the fastener 10. As the fastener 10 is rotated, the threaded portion 20 penetrates the tree surface 44 and into the interior of the tree 46. The threaded portion 20 has a length 24, a diameter 26 and a pitch 28 that is defined by the axial distance from a point (usually the crest) on a thread to a corresponding point on an adjacent thread. The rotational force may be applied to the fastener 10 until the length 24 of the threaded portion 20 is to the desired depth in the tree 42. A board may be inserted into the aperture 30 and used as leverage to apply the rotational force to the fastener 10.

The head 14 is positioned adjacent to the tree surface 44 and has the general shape to accommodate structural members and forming an aperture 30 for the building material. The aperture 30 is designed to enclose partially a conventional 4×4 in FIG. 4. The aperture 30 has a height 32 and a width 34 that accept the corresponding building material. The aperture 30 may also be in the form of an arc to accommodate constructed material that is round or oval, e.g., logs, tubes, pipes and so forth.

FIG. 6 illustrates the fastener 10 in use. Fasteners 10 a, 10 b and 10 c are secured in to trees 42 a and 42 b. The fastener 10 is inserted into the tree 42 by pressing the tapered tip (not shown) into the tree surface (not shown) and applying a rotational force to the fastener 10. As the fastener 10 is rotated, the threaded portion (not shown) penetrates the tree surface (not shown) and into the interior of the tree (not shown). The rotational force may be applied to the fastener 10 until the length of the threaded portion (not shown) is to the desired depth in the tree 42. The head 14 is positioned adjacent to the tree surface 44 and has the general shape to accommodate structural members and forming an aperture 30 for the building material. A board 48 is inserted into the aperture (not shown) of fastener 10 a and extended to aperture (not shown) of fastener 10 b and forms the basic support for the platform. The board 48 may be a 2″×4″ or 4″×4″ or other material as known by the skilled artisan. Additionally, a fastener 10 c may be inserted into the tree 42 a with a board 48 inserted into the aperture (not shown) and secured to the fastener 10 c with an aperture securing fastener 40 to form a ladder or other device for accessing the platform (not shown).

FIG. 7 illustrates the fastener 10 in use to construct a blind 50. Fasteners 10 a, 10 b, 10 c and 10 d are secured in to trees 42 a, 42 b, 42 c and 42 d. The fastener 10 is inserted into the tree 42 by pressing the tapered tip (not shown) into the tree surface (not shown) and applying a rotational force to the fastener 10. As the fastener 10 is rotated, the threaded portion (not shown) penetrates the tree surface and into the interior of the tree. The rotational force may be applied to the fastener 10 until the length of the threaded portion (not shown) is to the desired depth in the tree 42. The head 14 is positioned adjacent to the tree surface and has the general shape to accommodate structural members and forming an aperture 30 for the building material.

A board 48 a is inserted into the aperture (not shown) of fastener 10 a and extended to aperture (not shown) of fastener 10 b. Similarly, a board 48 b is inserted into the aperture (not shown) of fastener 10 c and extended to aperture (not shown) of fastener 10 d and forms the basic support for the platform. The board 48 may be a 2″×4″ or 4″×4″ or other material as known by the skilled artisan. Additionally, an aperture securing fastener (not shown) may be used to secure the board 48 to the fastener 10. A floor board 52 may be placed between the board 48 a and the board 48 b to create a floor for the platform. The number of floor board 52 will depend on the size of the platform and the size of the floor board 52. Additionally, walls and a roof may be constructed on the platform using conventional construction methods known to the skilled artisan.

Refer now to FIG. 8 a fastener with a head designed to accommodate 2 pieces of structural member. The fastener 10 includes a shank 12 extending between a head 14 and a tapered tip 16. The head 14 has a diameter 18 to provide strength. The shank 12 of the fastener 10 has a threaded portion 20 having right-hand threads 22. The threaded portion 20 has a length 24, a diameter 26 and a pitch 28 that is defined by the axial distance from a point (usually the crest) on a thread to a corresponding point on an adjacent thread. The threaded portion 20 may be a continuous member or a helical member having segmented areas (not shown). In addition, the tapered tip 16 may be sharp or sharpened to allow better penetration into the tree. The pitch and the spacing of the threads of the threaded portion 20 may be varied to allow for easier insertion into the tree and/or better adhesion to the tree.

The head 14 has the general shape to accommodate structural members and forming an aperture 30 for the building material. The head 14 includes a first aperture member 54 and a second aperture member 56 joined and forming an angle between about 0 and 90 degrees relative to each other. The first aperture member 54 and the second aperture member 56, each have an aperture 30 a and an aperture 30 b respectively that enclose partially a building material as in FIG. 1. The apertures 30 a and 30 b have a height (not shown) and a width (not shown) that accept the corresponding building material. The apertures 30 a and 30 b may also accommodate constructed material that is round or oval, e.g., logs, tubes, pipes and so forth. Generally, the aperture will be of the dimensions of the structural member used, e.g., lumber of the dimensions 2 inches by 4 inches, 2 inches by 6 inches, 2 inches by 8 inches, 4 inches by 4 inches; 4 inches by 6 inches, 4 inches by 8 inches, 1 inches by 4 inches, 1 inches by 6 inches, 1 inches by 8 inches; metal beams between about 0.5 inches to 8 inches in height and between about 0.5 inches to about 8 inches in width; metal tubing, both hollow tubes and solid tubes, having a diameter of between about 0.05 inches to about 8 inches; plastic tubes, both hollow tubes and solid tubes, having a diameter of between about 0.05 inches to about 8 inches; or other structural member known to the skilled artisan. The apertures 30 a and 30 b are formed from individual segments that are affixed (e.g., bonded, welded, screwed or similarly attached) to formed the desired shape with the height (not shown) and the width (not shown). In operation, a first board is inserted into one the apertures 30 a and secured. Another board in then inserted into the apertures 30 b and secured.

FIG. 9 a illustrates an expander plate 58 that is used to connect 2 or more pieces of structural member together and may be used alone or in conjunction with the fastener (not shown). The expander plate 58 includes a first side 60 and a second side 62 separated by a channel 64. The first side 60 and the second side 62 may be of any length, width and thickness desired for a particular application. In addition, the first side 60 and the second side 62 may differ in length, width and/or thickness to accommodate similar or different materials and applications. The first side 60 and the second side 62 may have numerous apertures 66 that accommodate aperture securing fasteners (not shown). The apertures 66 may be of any size or shape, e.g., oval, rectangular, polygonal, triangular, slotted, free-formed and so forth. The aperture securing fastener (not shown) may be a bolt, a screw, a nail, plug, peg, pin or similar securing device of any size, length, diameter, thread spacing, etc. The apertures 66 position, number, size, location, diameter and so forth may be varied to accommodate similar or different materials and applications.

FIGS. 9 b-9 e are profile views that illustrate different embodiments of the expander plate 58 used to connect 2 pieces of structural member together and may be used alone or in conjunction with the fastener (not shown). The expander plate 58 includes a first side 60 and a second side 62 separated by a channel 64. The channel 64 may have a variety of different shapes. For example, the channel 64 may be an arc as in FIG. 9 b with any radius necessary for the application or the channel 64 may have a “U” shape of any dimensions necessary as in FIG. 9 c. The channel 64 may be an angled as in FIG. 9 d to form a rectangle or a triangle as in FIG. 9 e. Generally, the channel 64 may be of any size or shape, e.g., oval, rectangular, polygonal, triangular, slotted, free-formed and so forth.

FIG. 10 a illustrates an expander plate 58 that is used to connect 2 pieces of structural member 48 a and 48 b together and may be used alone or in conjunction with the fastener (not shown). The expander plate 58 includes a channel 64 that connects the first side 60 and the second side 62. The first side 60 aligns with a first material 48 a and the second side 62 aligns with a second material 48 b. The first side 60 and the second side 62 may have numerous apertures 66 that accommodate aperture securing fasteners (not shown). The apertures 66 may be of any size or shape, e.g., oval, rectangular, polygonal, triangular, slotted, free-formed and so forth. The aperture securing fastener (not shown) may be a bolt, a screw, a nail, plug, peg, pin or similar securing device of any size, length, diameter, thread spacing, etc. The channel 64 is positioned to extend between the first side 60 and the second side 62 that support the 2 materials 48 a and 48 b, respectively. The fastener (not shown) may then be positioned under the channel 64 to support the weight. In another embodiment, the channel 64 may be positioned to extend away from the 2 materials 48 a and 48 b in contact with the first side 60 and the second side 62, respectively, as seen in FIG. 10 b.

FIG. 10 c illustrates the use of multiple first expander plates. A first expander plate 58 a and a second expander plate 58 b may be used in combination. The first expander plate 58 a includes a channel 64 a that is positioned to extend between the first side 60 a and the second side 62 a that support the materials 48 a and 48 b, respectively. The second expander plate 58 b also includes a channel 64 b that is positioned to extend between the first side 60 b and the second side 62 b that support the materials 48 a and 48 b, respectively. The first expander plate 58 a and a second expander plate 58 b may include numerous apertures 66 that accommodate aperture securing fasteners (not shown). The apertures 66 may be of any size or shape, e.g., oval, rectangular, polygonal, triangular, slotted, free-formed and so forth. The aperture securing fastener (not shown) may be a bolt, a screw, a nail, plug, peg, pin or similar securing device of any size, length, diameter, thread spacing, etc.

FIG. 11 illustrates the fastener 10 used in conjunction with the expander plate 58. A fastener 10 is attached to a tree 46 at the desired location and height. An expander plate 58 having a channel 64 that connects a first side 60 and a second side 62 is placed into the fastener aperture 30 and positioned so that the channel 64 is in contact with the fastener 10. In some instances, the contact will include a snug or friction fitting and the channel 64 may have a shape, curve or indention at the ends of the channel 64 to provide a secure fit. In addition, an aperture (not shown) may be placed in the channel 64 to secure it to the fastener 10. A first and second structural member 48 a and 48 b are connected to the first side 60 and the second side 62 of the expander plate 58. In some embodiments, the first and second structural member 48 a and 48 b are connected to the first side 60 and the second side 62 of the expander plate 58 before or prior to positioning the expander plate 58 into the fastener 10. In other embodiments, the first structural member 48 is connected to the first side 60 of the expander plate 58 and positioned into the fastener 10 prior to the attachment of the second structural member 48 b.

FIG. 12 illustrates an expander plate 58 that is used to connect 2 structural members (not shown) together and may be used alone or in conjunction with the fastener (not shown). The expander plate 58 includes a channel 64 that connects the first side 60 and two second side 62 a and 62 b. The first side 60 and the second sides 62 a and 62 b may have numerous apertures 66 that accommodate aperture securing fasteners (not shown). The apertures 66 may be of any size or shape, e.g., oval, rectangular, polygonal, triangular, slotted, free-formed and so forth. The aperture securing fastener (not shown) may be a bolt, a screw, a nail, plug, peg, pin or similar securing device of any size, length, diameter, thread spacing, etc. The channel 64 is positioned to extend between the first side 60 and the second sides 62 a and 62 b that support the 2 or more materials (not shown). The second sides 62 a can be used to connect a structural member (not shown) to the expander plate 58 extending generally parallel to the second sides 62 a. A second structural member (not shown) may be connected to the second sides 62 b and connected to a second structural member (not shown) to the expander plate 58 extending generally parallel to the second sides 62 b and generally perpendicular to second sides 62 a. However, the angle between second sides 62 a and 62 b may be varied between 0-180 degrees depending on the application and the construction needs. Alternatively, the second sides 62 a and 62 b may be used to create a corner by placing a structural member (not shown) that extends across second sides 62 a and 62 b. The structural member (not shown) thus continues in a generally parallel direction in relation to the second sides 62 a and 62 b and generally perpendicular to the first side 60.

FIG. 13 illustrates an expander plate 58 that is used to connect 2 pieces of structural member 48 a and 48 b together and may be used alone or in conjunction with the fastener 10. The expander plate 58 includes a channel 64 that connects the first side 60 and the second side 62. The expander plate 58 includes side members 68 a and 68 b attached to or a part of the first side 60 and the second side 62. The expander plate 58 provides both vertical and horizontal support for the first material 48 a that is aligned with the first side 60 and the second material 48 b aligns with the second side 62. The first side 60, the second side 62, the side members 68 a and 68 b may have numerous apertures 66 that accommodate aperture securing fasteners (not shown). The apertures 66 may be of any size or shape, e.g., oval, rectangular, polygonal, triangular, slotted, free-formed and so forth. The aperture securing fastener (not shown) may be a bolt, a screw, a nail, plug, peg, pin or similar securing device of any size, length, diameter, thread spacing, etc. The channel 64 is positioned to contact the fastener 10 to support the expander plate 58 and structural member 48 a and 48 b. The channel 64 may be a variety of shapes and configurations, for example, the channel 64 may be a friction or clip fitting that securely holds the fastener 10 to the expander plate 58. The fastener 10 may be “clicked” into the channel 64 to by rotating the expander plate 58 about the fastener 10 to securely hold the to the expander plate 58.

In any of the embodiments having a channel 64 the channel itself may be a flat straight segment indistinguishable from the first side 60 and the second side 62 or a groove that accommodates a fastener 10. The channel 64 may be of any length, width and/or depth desired and may have a profile that is an arc, a smooth curve, a partial rectangle, a partial oval, a partial polygon and so forth.

The pieces of structural member, lumber, boards, materials, wood and other similar terms are used to denote general materials that may be used by the present invention and is not intended to limit the type of material used. For example, common materials include lumber of various grades and dimensions, e.g., 2 inches by 4 inches, 2 inches by 6 inches, 2 inches by 8 inches, 4 inches by 4 inches, 4 inches by 6 inches, 4 inches by 8 inches, 1 inches by 4 inches, 1 inches by 6 inches, 1 inches by 8 inches; metal beams between about 0.5 inches to 8 inches in height and between about 0.5 inches to about 8 inches in width; metal tubing, both hollow tubes and solid tubes, having a diameter of between about 0.05 inches to about 8 inches; plastic tubes, both hollow tubes and solid tubes, having a diameter of between about 0.05 inches to about 8 inches; or other structural member known to the skilled artisan.

Additionally, the present invention may be used to construct enclosures and housings having different configurations. The present invention may be used to construct a variety of structures limited only by the inventiveness and creativity of the builder. The fastener of the present invention may be used in any application that a conventional fastener may be used. For example, the present invention may be used to provide the support for a roof system, walls, retaining walls, storage enclosures, shelters, sheds, lean-tos, racks, bunk beds, platforms, blinds, roofs, fences, buildings, decks, porches, steps, tie downs, and other structures apparent to the skilled artisan. Furthermore, the present invention may be used to create structures on or about the ground.

Combinations of materials may be used with the present invention to provide housings having different configurations. The present invention may be used in constructing decorative structures (e.g., tents, covers, art, awnings, etc.) or structural enclosures. For example, the present invention may be used to construct the floor and roof of an enclosure and a fabric or material used to create the walls of the housing. In addition to trees, the present invention may also inserted into other materials, e.g., brick, blocks marble, granite, stone, steel, concrete, cinderblocks, poles, light poles, telephone poles, utility poles and other objects known to the skilled artisan.

In addition to the screw-type configuration, the present invention also includes a bolt-type member. A hole may be drilled into the object and the present invention inserted with the proper washers and secured with one or more nuts. Alternatively, a securing nut may be added to the present invention when the fastener exits the object and washers and spaces may be used in some instances.

The components of the present invention may be constructed from any suitable similar singular or composite material, e.g., titanium, a titanium alloy, a metal, an alloy, a stainless steel, a steel, an iron, a composite, a polymer, a blend of polymers, a carbon fiber, a plastic, a thermoplastic, carbon nanotubes, a synthetic material or other material known to the skilled artisan, depending on the particular need or application. In addition, combinations and mixtures of material may be used, e.g., a polymer, a metal, a plastic, a fiber, a composite, metal, plastic, fiber, composite, and/or ceramic; a carbon nanotube-coated polymer, metal, plastic, fiber, and/or composite; a polymer-coated polymer, metal, plastic, fiber, and/or composite. The fastener may be made of a strong material (e.g., metal, magnamite graphite fiber, carbon reinforced plastic, titanium, a titanium alloy, a metal, steel, stainless steel, brass, nickel, iron, copper, chromolly, an alloy, a stainless steel, a composite, a polymer, a blend of polymers, a carbon fiber, a plastic, a thermoplastic, synthetic materials or combination thereof) so as to prevent the fastener from being sheared off by the stress of the system. The materials used are not limited to the above noted and may also include other suitable solid materials that have the above-noted properties.

The fastener may be constructed using common techniques known in the art. One example includes a fastener 10 that is manufactured from a blank that may initially be uniform in diameter. The blank, which may be made form steel, iron, plastic, chromolly, alloys metals, brass, aluminum, or other material, is deformed by a thread rolling machine to achieve the threaded portion 20. The blank may be rolled in a first direction to form the threaded portion 20. The head 14 and aperture 30 can then be formed. During the process, the threads may receive forging properties that help increase the fatigue strength of the fastener and loading strength. Another method of forming the fastener includes casting, forging, machining, stamping and other processes known to the skilled artisan.

The present invention also includes fastener that may be inserted into an existing hole and expand so that it is secured, e.g., compression fitting, expandable fitting, etc. Furthermore, the fastener may have notches that when inserted into the hole cannot be removed.

It will be understood that particular embodiments described herein are shown by way of illustration and not as limitations of the invention. The principal features of this invention can be employed in various embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, numerous equivalents to the specific procedures described herein. Such equivalents are considered to be within the scope of this invention and are covered by the claims.

All of the compositions and/or methods disclosed and claimed herein can be made and executed without undue experimentation in light of the present disclosure. While the compositions and methods of this invention have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that variations can be applied to the compositions and/or methods and in the steps or in the sequence of steps of the method described herein without departing from the concept, spirit and scope of the invention. All such similar substitutes and modifications apparent to those skilled in the art are deemed to be within the spirit, scope and concept of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 

1. A fastener for attachment to an object to aid in construction comprising: a head comprising an aperture adapted to fit a structural member; and a shank extending from the head, wherein the structural member forms a support, a joist, a rafter, a crossmember or a truss.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the shank comprises a threaded portion terminating in a point for attachment by boring into an object.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the object comprises a tree, a pole, a joist, a rafter, a truss, a brick, a block, a rock surface, a natural formation, a board, a tree, a portion of a tree or a wall.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the structural member comprises a 2×4, a 4×4, a 2×6, a 2×8, a 4×4, a 4×8, a 1×2, a 1×4, a 1×6, a 1×8, a 8×8, a pipe, a tube, a square tube, particle board, a panel or plywood.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the head further comprises a securing aperture, whereby the structural member can be secured to the fastener.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an expander plate adapted to fit the aperture of the head, wherein the expander plate connects 2 or more structural members and is supported by the fastener.
 7. A platform constructed using a fastener for attachment to an object that provides support for the platform comprising: at least a first and a second fastener inserted into one or more objects, wherein each fastener comprises a head having an aperture adapted to fit a floor support and a shank extending from the head comprising a threaded portion terminating in a point for attachment by boring into the object to support the fastener; a first floor support extending through the first fastener; a second floor support extending through the second fastener; and one or more floor materials extending from the first floor support to the second floor support.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7, further comprising a third fastener wherein the first floor support extending from the third fastener to the first fastener.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8, further comprising a forth fastener wherein the second floor support extending from the second fastener to the forth fastener.
 10. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the one or more objects individually comprises a tree, a pole, a joist, a rafter, a truss, a brick, a block, a rock surface, a natural formation, a board, a tree, a portion of a tree or a wall.
 11. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the first floor support, the second floor support and the one or more floor materials individually wherein the structural member comprises a 2×4, a 4×4, a 2×6, a 2×8, a 4×4, a 4×8, a 1×2, a 1×4, a 1×6, a 1×8, a 8×8, a pipe, a tube, a square tube, particle board, a panel or plywood.
 12. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the head further comprises a securing aperture, whereby the floor support can be secured to the fastener.
 13. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the platform forms a hunting blind.
 14. An platform construction kit using fastener for attachment to an object for providing support for a platform comprising two or more fasteners capable of being inserted into one or more objects, wherein each fastener comprises a head having an aperture adapted to fit a floor support and a shank extending from the head comprising a threaded portion terminating in a point for attachment by boring into an object, wherein the floor support is inserted into each of the two or more fasteners to support a floor that extends between the floor supports whereby a platform is created.
 15. The kit of claim 14, further comprising an expander plate that fits the aperture of the head and connects two or more floor supports, wherein the expander plate is supported by the fastener.
 16. The kit of claim 14, further comprising two or more floor supports for extending through the two or more fasteners.
 17. The kit of claim 14, further comprising one or more floor materials for extending between the one or more floor supports, whereby a platform is created.
 18. The kit of claim 14, further comprising one or more fasteners capable of being inserted into an object to form a support for a roof above the platform.
 19. A method of making a platform using a fastener for attachment to an object that provides support for the platform comprising the steps of: securing at least a first, a second, a third and a fourth fastener to one or more objects, wherein each fastener comprises a head having an aperture adapted to fit a floor support, wherein the floor support is supported by the fastener and a shank extending from the head comprising a threaded portion terminating in a point for attachment by boring into the object; securing a first floor support extending through the first fastener; securing a second floor support extending through the second fastener; and attaching one or more floor materials to the first floor support and the second floor support to form the platform.
 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising securing a third fastener wherein the first floor support extending from the third fastener to the first fastener.
 21. The apparatus of claim 20, further comprising securing a forth fastener wherein the second floor support extending from the second fastener to the forth fastener.
 22. The method of claim 21, wherein the securing the at least a first, a second, a third and a fourth fastener comprises applying rotational force to the fastener to bore the fastener into the object.
 23. The method of claim 19, wherein the one or more objects individually comprises a tree, a pole, a joist, a rafter, a truss, a brick, a block, a rock surface, a natural formation, a board, a tree, a portion of a tree or a wall.
 24. The method of claim 19, further comprising the step of connecting two floor support to an expander plate and connecting the expander plate.
 25. The method of claim 19, further comprising forming a second platform above the platform to create a roof.
 26. The method of claim 17, wherein the first floor support, the second floor support and the one or more floor materials individually comprise a 2×4, a 4∴4, a 2×6, a 2×8, a 4×4, a 4×8, a 1×2, a 1×4, a 1×6, a 1×8, a 8×8, a pipe, a tube, a square tube, particle board, a panel or plywood. 